Smoking and Vaping During Ramadan: What Muslims Need to Know 

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic faith where Muslims observe a month-long fast from dawn until sunset. The start date of the fast varies each year and depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, it is expected to begin on either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the sighting.

The Hijri calendar, which is a lunar cycle, is followed for the Islamic year. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which includes the belief in one God (shahada), prayer (salah), performing the pilgrimage (hajj), and giving alms (zakat). Muslims around the world observe the month of Ramadan as a time of spiritual reflection and increased devotion to God.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, water, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset with an iftar, which is an evening meal that typically includes dates and water. After the iftar, Muslims often attend the taraweeh prayer, which is an additional prayer performed during Ramadan.

Apart from abstaining from food and drink, there are several other lifestyle habits that Muslims must avoid during the fasting hours to observe the month correctly. Smoking and vaping are not allowed during the fast. Just like eating and drinking, smoking or vaping will break the fast.

Smoking is prohibited in Islam due to its harmful effects on the body. The smoke contains particles that can reach the stomach, thus breaking the fast. Islamic scholars also consider smoking as something that is haram or forbidden in Islam because of its harmful effects on the body. Smoking is associated with several health problems such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.

Vaping with e-cigarettes is also prohibited during the fast because of the inhalation of harmful chemicals. The Al-Magrib Institute states that using e-cigarettes is impermissible due to their harmful nature, and they also break the fast due to the ingestion of nicotine as well as the manner of its ingestion, which is identical to the rulings applied to normal cigarettes.

According to Islamqa.info, vapes that do not contain any harmful substances and are made up of natural flavoring only are not considered haram. However, they still cannot be used during fasting hours as it counts as consumption. It is important to note that fasting during Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but it is also about controlling one’s behavior and practicing self-discipline. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to avoid all types of harmful habits, including smoking and vaping, during the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, increased devotion to God, and self-discipline for Muslims. It is a time for Muslims to purify their souls and draw closer to their Creator. The fast serves as a reminder to Muslims of the plight of those who are less fortunate and helps to instill empathy and compassion in them. In addition, the month of Ramadan fosters a sense of community among Muslims, as they come together for the iftar and taraweeh prayers.

In conclusion, smoking and vaping are not allowed during the fast, and Muslims are encouraged to avoid all types of harmful habits during the month of Ramadan. The fast serves as a reminder to Muslims of the plight of those who are less fortunate and helps to instill empathy and compassion in them. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, increased devotion to God, and self-discipline for Muslims, and it is an essential part of the Islamic faith.